Pfizer coronavirus pill cuts risk of hospitalization or death by 89%, studies show

A novel coronavirus pill from Pfizer that is taken at the first sign of symptoms or exposure can reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89%, the company announced as it will soon submit data to the Food and Drug Administration.

“Today’s news is a real game-changer in the global efforts to halt the devastation of this pandemic. These data suggest that our oral antiviral candidate, if approved or authorized by regulatory authorities, has the potential to save patients’ lives, reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections, and eliminate up to nine out of ten hospitalizations,” Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, said.

The pill, called PAXLOVID, is an antiviral drug that is designed to block an enzyme that coronavirus needs to replicate and thrive. It can be prescribed at the first sign of COVID-19 infection or as soon as someone learns they have been exposed.

If authorized by the FDA, it could be used more broadly as an at-home treatment to help reduce illness severity, hospitalizations and deaths. It could also reduce the likelihood of infection following exposure, and the pill showed activity against COVID variants.

In clinical trials, PAXLOVID reduced hospitalization or death by 89% compared to placebo in high-risk adults with coronavirus who were not hospitalized. None of the patients on PAXLOVID died, compared with 10 deaths in the placebo group.

Most of the patients were treated within five days of symptom onset, and they took one pill every day for five days.

Due to the great efficacy results, the FDA recommended that Pfizer stop enrolling patients in the study, and the company will submit the data as part of its request for emergency use authorization.

“All of us at Pfizer are incredibly proud of our scientists, who designed and developed this molecule, working with the utmost urgency to help lessen the impact of this devastating disease on patients and their communities,” said Dr. Mikael Dolsten, chief scientific officer and president of worldwide research, development and medical at Pfizer.

Pfizer has had significant success in its coronavirus products lately. Earlier this week, its coronavirus vaccine for children age 5-11 was authorized for use and kids across the country have started to receive shots.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3ENic7Q